Why are mussels called choros in Chile and Peru?

Choro (and its diminutive chorito) comes from indigenous South American languages and became the local standard for mussels in Chile and Peru. The species found in these Pacific waters differs from the Mediterranean mejillón, which reinforces the use of a distinct name.

How are mussels typically prepared in Spain?

The classic preparation is mejillones a la marinera—steamed in a sauce of white wine, tomato, onion, and garlic. They also appear in paella mixta, as tapas with escabeche (vinegar marinade), and simply steamed with lemon.

Are mussels and clams the same in Spanish?

Mussels (mejillones) and clams (almejas) are different shellfish, though both are bivalves. Mejillones have elongated dark shells, while almejas have rounder, lighter-colored shells. Both are staples in Spanish and Latin American seafood cooking.

Spanish vocabulary · Beginner

MUSSEL in Spanish: MEJILLÓN

Written by Sofia Ramirez, Lead Spanish Curriculum Editor · Reviewed May 2026

Mejillón · noun · meh-hee-YOHN

Mejillón is the Spanish word for mussel, the dark-shelled bivalve that stars in seafood dishes from Galician harbors to Chilean ceviche bars. Spain is one of Europe's top mussel producers, particularly in the rías (inlets) of Galicia, making this word essential for anyone exploring coastal Spanish cuisine. In Chile and Peru, you'll hear choro or chorito instead—a regional difference worth knowing if you plan to order shellfish across different Latin American countries.

meh-hee-YOHN

Pedimos una cazuela de mejillones al vapor.

We ordered a pot of steamed mussels.

Mussel in Spanish: Quick Reference

Below are the most common Spanish words for mussel, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.

Spanish	English	Pronunciation	Region / Register
mejillón	mussel	meh-hee-YOHN	Default, widely understood
choro	mussel		Chile/Peru
chorito	mussel		Chile (smaller variety)

How Native Speakers Use Mejillón

Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.

Spanish Cuisine

Los mejillones a la marinera son típicos de Galicia.

Mussels in marinara sauce are typical of Galicia.

Mejillones a la marinera is one of Spain's most beloved seafood dishes.

Chilean Dish

Preparamos choros a la chalaca para el almuerzo.

We prepared mussels a la chalaca for lunch.

Choros a la chalaca is a popular Peruvian-style mussel dish.

Market Shopping

Los mejillones frescos deben tener las conchas cerradas.

Fresh mussels should have their shells closed.

This is practical advice for buying mussels at a seafood market.

Avoid These Mistakes When Using Mejillón

Confusing mejillón with mejilla

Incorrect: Comimos mejillas al vapor.

Correct: Comimos mejillones al vapor.

Mejilla means 'cheek' (of the face), while mejillón is the shellfish. The similarity in spelling trips up many learners.

Forgetting the plural form

Incorrect: Quiero un plato de mejillón.

Correct: Quiero un plato de mejillones.

Mussels are almost always served in plural—a plate of mussels. Use the plural mejillones unless referring to a single shell.

Lock in Mussel Vocabulary with the Parrot Method

Why word lists alone don't stick

Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.

See Mejillón used by native speakers

Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using mejillón in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Pedimos una cazuela de mejillones al vapor. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.

Save, review, repeat, stay consistent

Tap any word to save it. Parrot's spaced-repetition system surfaces it right before you'd forget, no manual flashcard creation. The watch, parrot back, save, review cycle turns recognition into fluency at 2.7x the speed of traditional study.

Common Questions About Mussel in Spanish

Why are mussels called choros in Chile and Peru?: Choro (and its diminutive chorito) comes from indigenous South American languages and became the local standard for mussels in Chile and Peru. The species found in these Pacific waters differs from the Mediterranean mejillón, which reinforces the use of a distinct name.
How are mussels typically prepared in Spain?: The classic preparation is mejillones a la marinera—steamed in a sauce of white wine, tomato, onion, and garlic. They also appear in paella mixta, as tapas with escabeche (vinegar marinade), and simply steamed with lemon.
Are mussels and clams the same in Spanish?: Mussels (mejillones) and clams (almejas) are different shellfish, though both are bivalves. Mejillones have elongated dark shells, while almejas have rounder, lighter-colored shells. Both are staples in Spanish and Latin American seafood cooking.